For newly qualified lawyers, selecting the right law firm can feel overwhelming. The legal market is vast, highly competitive and consists of a huge range of firms, each with different cultures, opportunities and career paths. Doing thorough research and having a clear sense of the type of environment you want is the best place to start.
The obvious choice might seem to be a London law firm, but in fact 80% of law firms are based outside the capital, so there are plenty of options.
London
The large city firms, including the highly sought-after Magic Circle, are often seen as the pinnacle of prestige. These firms offer excellent salaries, outstanding training and the chance to work on high-profile cases. However, securing a position is challenging, and long hours are still the norm.
There are plenty of mid-sized practices in London, like https://www.forsters.co.uk, where the work is no less challenging and rewarding but the work-life balance is often better.
National and Regional
National firms, with offices across the UK and overseas connections, often provide international exposure alongside more manageable hours. They also balance good salaries with a healthier work-life balance compared to City firms.
Regional practices focus on serving local clients. While less glamorous, these firms offer closer client relationships and a steady rhythm of work-attractive if you prefer staying rooted in one area.
In-House Lawyers
Working in-house is another option, usually after gaining law firm experience. Many find the prospect of specialising in company-specific legal matters appealing, particularly as it often comes with greater balance and strong financial rewards.
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